[New frontiers in the prosthodontic management of patients with loss of all or most of their teeth].

In view of the increasing life expectancy and the growing number of older people, the conservation of denture bearing tissue will become an essential task in the treatment of edentulous patients. According to a clinical survey it could be proved that about 60% of the female and 40% of the male complete denture wearers had a high degree of bone loss of the lower jaw. The standard factors of function are described, particularly emphasizing the importance of muscular denture stabilization, jaw relation and mode of occlusion. The conservation of remaining single-posted teeth is necessary, not only for psychical reasons, but also with regard to support and function of the dentures. The biomechanical principles of design and approved denture constructions are illustrated. In order to ensure long-term denture function and care for the bearing tissue, it is mandatory that excellent oral hygiene, proper denture care, and periodical recalls, at intervals of 1 year at most, be maintained.